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Saleh SR, Abd-Elmegied A, Aly Madhy S, Khattab SN, Sheta E, Elnozahy FY, Mehanna RA, Ghareeb DA, Abd-Elmonem NM. Brain-targeted Tet-1 peptide-PLGA nanoparticles for berberine delivery against STZ-induced Alzheimer's disease in a rat model: Alleviation of hippocampal synaptic dysfunction, Tau pathology, and amyloidogenesis. Int J Pharm 2024; 658:124218. [PMID: 38734273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that causes severe dementia and memory loss. Surface functionalized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles have been reported for better transport through the blood-brain barrier for AD therapy. This study investigated the improved therapeutic potential of berberine-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)/Tet-1 peptide nanoparticles (BBR/PLGA-Tet NPs) in a rat model of sporadic AD. BBR was loaded into the PLGA-Tet conjugate. BBR/PLGA-Tet NPs were physicochemically and morphologically characterized. AD was achieved by bilateral intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of streptozotocin (STZ). Cognitively impaired rats were divided into STZ, STZ + BBR, STZ + BBR/PLGA-Tet NPs, and STZ + PLGA-Tet NPs groups. Cognitive improvement was assessed using the Morris Water Maze. Brain acetylcholinesterase and monoamine oxidase activities, amyloid β42 (Aβ42), and brain glycemic markers were estimated. Further, hippocampal neuroplasticity (BDNF, pCREB, and pERK/ERK), Tau pathogenesis (pGSK3β/GSK3β, Cdk5, and pTau), inflammatory, and apoptotic markers were evaluated. Finally, histopathological changes were monitored. ICV-STZ injection produces AD-like pathologies evidenced by Aβ42 deposition, Tau hyperphosphorylation, impaired insulin signaling and neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation. BBR and BBR/PLGA-Tet NPs attenuated STZ-induced hippocampal damage, enhanced cognitive performance, and reduced Aβ42, Tau phosphorylation, and proinflammatory responses. BBR/PLGA-Tet NPs restored neuroplasticity, cholinergic, and monoaminergic function, which are critical for cognition and brain function. BBR/PLGA-Tet NPs may have superior therapeutic potential in alleviating sporadic AD than free BBR due to their bioavailability, absorption, and brain uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar R Saleh
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Aml Abd-Elmegied
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Somaya Aly Madhy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Sherine N Khattab
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Eman Sheta
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Fatma Y Elnozahy
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Radwa A Mehanna
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Center of Excellence for Research in Regenerative Medicine and Applications (CERRMA), Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Doaa A Ghareeb
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt; Bio-Screening and Preclinical Trial Lab, Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Nihad M Abd-Elmonem
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Xi Ye J, Ying Wu J, Ai L, Zhu M, Li Y, Yin D, Huang Q. Geniposide effectively safeguards HT22 cells against Aβ-induced damage by activating mitophagy via the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116296. [PMID: 38762146 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the significant involvement of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptide in its pathogenesis. Geniposide, derived from the versatile medicinal of Gardenia jasminoides, is one of the active compounds studied extensively. The objective was to explore the impact of geniposide on Aβ25-35-induced damage in HT22 cells, specifically focusing on its modulation of PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. In our investigation, geniposide exhibited remarkable restorative effects by enhancing cell viability and preserving the mitochondrial membrane potential. Moreover, it effectively reduced and mitigated the oxidative stress and apoptosis rates induced by Aβ25-35. Notably, geniposide exhibited the capacity to enhance autophagic flux, upregulate LC3II and Beclin-1 expression, and downregulate the expression of p62. Furthermore, geniposide positively influenced the expression of PINK1 and Parkin proteins, with molecular docking substantiating a strong interaction between geniposide and PINK1/Parkin proteins. Intriguingly, the beneficial outcomes of geniposide on alleviating the pronounced apoptosis rates, the overproduction of reactive oxygen species, and diminished the PINK1 and Parkin expression induced by Aβ25-35 were compromised by the mitophagy inhibitor cyclosporine A (CsA). Collectively, these findings suggested that geniposide potentially shields HT22 cells against neurodegenerative damage triggered by Aβ25-35 through the activation of mitophagy. The insights contribute valuable references to the defensive consequences against neurological damage of geniposide, thereby highlighting its potential as a therapeutic intervention in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xi Ye
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Jia Ying Wu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Liang Ai
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Min Zhu
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China
| | - Yun Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Dong Yin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Research Center of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, PR China.
| | - Qihui Huang
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510300, PR China.
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Huang L, Luo S, Tong S, Lv Z, Wu J. The development of nanocarriers for natural products. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 16:e1967. [PMID: 38757428 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Natural bioactive compounds from plants exhibit substantial pharmacological potency and therapeutic value. However, the development of most plant bioactive compounds is hindered by low solubility and instability. Conventional pharmaceutical forms, such as tablets and capsules, only partially overcome these limitations, restricting their efficacy. With the recent development of nanotechnology, nanocarriers can enhance the bioavailability, stability, and precise intracellular transport of plant bioactive compounds. Researchers are increasingly integrating nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems (NDDS) into the development of natural plant compounds with significant success. Moreover, natural products benefit from nanotechnological enhancement and contribute to the innovation and optimization of nanocarriers via self-assembly, grafting modifications, and biomimetic designs. This review aims to elucidate the collaborative and reciprocal advancement achieved by integrating nanocarriers with botanical products, such as bioactive compounds, polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular vesicles. This review underscores the salient challenges in nanomedicine, encompassing long-term safety evaluations of nanomedicine formulations, precise targeting mechanisms, biodistribution complexities, and hurdles in clinical translation. Further, this study provides new perspectives to leverage nanotechnology in promoting the development and optimization of natural plant products for nanomedical applications and guiding the progression of NDDS toward enhanced efficiency, precision, and safety. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shicui Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Sen Tong
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhuo Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Junzi Wu
- The Key Laboratory of Microcosmic Syndrome Differentiation, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Yunnan First People's Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Tang Y, Gao Y, Nie K, Wang H, Chen S, Su H, Huang W, Dong H. Jiao-tai-wan and its effective component-berberine improve diabetes and depressive disorder through the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117829. [PMID: 38296172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Jiao-tai-wan (JTW), a classic herbal formula of traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Han Shi Yi Tong, has been used to alleviate sleep disorders since ancient times. In modern pharmacological research, JTW has been adopted for treating diabetes mellitus and even exerts antidepressant effects. However, the potential mechanisms deserve further elucidation. AIM OF THE STUDY The prevalence of diabetes mellitus combined with depressive disorder (DD) is continuing to increase, yet it is currently under-recognized and its treatment remains inadequate. The present study aims to explore the underlying therapeutics and mechanisms of JTW on DD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Chronic restraint stress was used on db/db mice to construct a mouse model of DD. The therapeutic effects of JTW were assessed by glucolipid metabolic indexes, behavioral tests, and depression-related neurotransmitter levels. The inflammatory status and cell apoptosis of different mice were investigated and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were detected. Combining the results of fingerprinting with molecular docking, the active components of JTW were screened. A cellular model was constructed by intervention of glucose combined with corticosterone (CORT). The levels of apoptosis and depression-related neurotransmitters in HT-22 cells were examined, and the changes in the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway were tested. Finally, the activator and inhibitor of the PKA protein were used for reverse validation experiments. RESULTS JTW could improve the impaired glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism disorders, and depression-like symptoms in DD mice. Meanwhile, JTW could alleviate the inflammatory status, suppress the microglia activation, and improve hippocampal neuron apoptosis in DD mice. The dual effects of JTW might be associated with the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Berberine (Ber) was identified for the in vitro experiment, it could reverse the apoptosis of HT-22 cells and up-regulate the depression-related neurotransmitter levels, and the effects of Ber were related to the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway as well. CONCLUSION JTW could exert both hypoglycemic and antidepressant effects through activating the cAMP/PKA/CREB signaling pathway, its active component, Ber, could improve the damage to HT-22 cells induced by glucose combined with CORT via the activation of the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. Ber may be one of the effective components of the dual effects of JTW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueheng Tang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China; Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Yang Gao
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Kexin Nie
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Hongzhan Wang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Shen Chen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Wenya Huang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Hui Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Cao Q, Dong P, Han H. Therapeutic Effects of the major alkaloid constituents of Evodia rutaecarpa in Alzheimer's disease. Psychogeriatrics 2024; 24:443-457. [PMID: 38173117 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.13051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Since the report of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in 1907, it has garnered widespread attention due to its intricate pathogenic mechanisms, significant impact on patients' lives, and the substantial burden it places on society. Presently, effective treatments for AD remain elusive. Recent pharmacological studies on the traditional East Asian herb, Evodia rutaecarpa, have revealed that the bioactive alkaloid components within it can ameliorate AD-related cognitive impairments and neurological damage through various pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-acetylcholinesterase activities. Consequently, this article provides an overview of the pharmacological effects and research status of the four main alkaloid components found in Evodia concerning AD. We hope this article will serve as a valuable reference for experimental and clinical research on the use of Evodia in AD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Cao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Peiliang Dong
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Hua Han
- College of Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Li J, Zhang Q, Chen Y, Lu C, Tong Y. Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Distribution and Excretion of Demethyleneberberine, a Metabolite of Berberine, in Rats and Mice. Molecules 2023; 28:7725. [PMID: 38067456 PMCID: PMC10708275 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Demethyleneberberine is an active component extracted from the Chinese herbal drug Cortex Phellodendri. It is also a metabolite of berberine in animals and humans. However, the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of demethyleneberberine have not been reported. The present study aimed to investigate the pharmacokinetic parameters of demethyleneberberine by applying high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). After intragastric administration of demethyleneberberine in rats and mice, the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion of demethyleneberberine were comparatively studied for the first time. The plasma concentration of demethyleneberberine reached its peak within 5 min after intragastric administration in both rats and mice. Furthermore, its bioavailability was comparable, ranging from 4.47% to 5.94%, higher than that of berberine. The total excretion of demethyleneberberine in the urine, feces and bile was 7.28~9.77%. These findings provide valuable insights into the pharmacological and clinical research on demethyleneberberine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Chengyu Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.)
| | - Yongbin Tong
- College of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China; (J.L.); (Q.Z.); (Y.C.)
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Cheng JW, Yu Y, Zong SY, Cai WW, Wang Y, Song YN, Xian H, Wei F. Berberine ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis in mice by restoring macrophage polarization via AMPK/mTORC1 pathway switching glycolytic reprogramming. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:111024. [PMID: 37827054 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunction of macrophage polarization majorly contributes to the progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Polarization and functions of activated macrophages are closely associated with the reprogramming of intracellular metabolisms. Previously, we demonstrated that the anti-arthritis effect of berberine (BBR) in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) may be related to AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation (a key regulator in the biological energy metabolism), and balanced macrophage polarization. However, the specific molecular mechanism of BBR in macrophage metabolism is yet to be elucidated. In this study, we clarified that BBR ameliorated articular inflammation and restored M1/M2 ratio in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice in an AMPK-dependent manner. Mechanistically, BBR reversed the effects of mTORC1 agonist leucine (Leu) on regulating macrophage polarization through activation of AMPK to switch glycolytic reprogramming. Furthermore, BBR inhibition of mTORC1 rely on activation of AMPK to phosphorylate raptor and TSC2 instead of destroying its structure. Our study revealed that the activation of AMPK is required for the BBR-mediated anti-arthritis effect by downregulating mTORC1/HIF-1α and inhibiting the glycolysis in M1 macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yun Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Shi-Ye Zong
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Wei-Wei Cai
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Biochemical Engineering Center of Anhui, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Yi-Ning Song
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Biochemical Engineering Center of Anhui, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Hao Xian
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Fang Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, No. 2600, Donghai Avenue, Bengbu, Anhui, China; Biochemical Engineering Center of Anhui, Bengbu, Anhui, China.
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Pires PC, Paiva-Santos AC, Veiga F. Liposome-Derived Nanosystems for the Treatment of Behavioral and Neurodegenerative Diseases: The Promise of Niosomes, Transfersomes, and Ethosomes for Increased Brain Drug Bioavailability. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1424. [PMID: 37895895 PMCID: PMC10610493 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders are amongst the most prevalent and debilitating diseases, but current treatments either have low success rates, greatly due to the low permeability of the blood-brain barrier, and/or are connected to severe side effects. Hence, new strategies are extremely important, and here is where liposome-derived nanosystems come in. Niosomes, transfersomes, and ethosomes are nanometric vesicular structures that allow drug encapsulation, protecting them from degradation, and increasing their solubility, permeability, brain targeting, and bioavailability. This review highlighted the great potential of these nanosystems for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression. Studies regarding the encapsulation of synthetic and natural-derived molecules in these systems, for intravenous, oral, transdermal, or intranasal administration, have led to an increased brain bioavailability when compared to conventional pharmaceutical forms. Moreover, the developed formulations proved to have neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, including brain neurotransmitter level restoration and brain oxidative status improvement, and improved locomotor activity or enhancement of recognition and working memories in animal models. Hence, albeit being relatively new technologies, niosomes, transfersomes, and ethosomes have already proven to increase the brain bioavailability of psychoactive drugs, leading to increased effectiveness and decreased side effects, showing promise as future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia C. Pires
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Ana Cláudia Paiva-Santos
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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Khorrami S, Dogani M, Mahani SE, Moghaddam MM, Taheri RA. Neuroprotective activity of green synthesized silver nanoparticles against methamphetamine-induced cell death in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11867. [PMID: 37481580 PMCID: PMC10363122 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37917-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective activity of the black peel pomegranate extract, and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) biosynthesized using the extract. We pretreated the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5 cells with the extract and AgNPs and evaluated the neuroprotective activity of these agents against methamphetamine (Meth) cytotoxicity. The NPs were spherical with 19 ± 8 nm size, - 28 mV surface charge, and 0.20 PDI. Meth killed the cells by increasing proapoptotic (Bax, PTEN, AKT, PI3K, NF-κB, P53, TNF-α, Cyt C, and Cas 3) and decreasing the antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2) expression. Exposure to Meth caused DNA fragmentation and increased the intercellular ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels while reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). A 4-h pretreatment of the cells with the extract and AgNPs could retain the viability of the cells above 80% by increasing the Bcl-2 expression up to fourfold and inhibiting the cell death pathways. ROS, MDA, and MMP levels in the pretreated cells were close to the control group. The percentage of necrosis in cells pretreated with the extract and AgNPs declined to 32% and 8%, respectively. Our promising findings indicated that AgNPs could reduce Meth-induced oxidative stress and prevent necrotic and apoptotic cell death by regulating related genes' expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Khorrami
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Manijeh Dogani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeed Esmaeili Mahani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Moosazadeh Moghaddam
- Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramezan Ali Taheri
- Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sidiropoulou GA, Metaxas A, Kourti M. Natural antioxidants that act against Alzheimer's disease through modulation of the NRF2 pathway: a focus on their molecular mechanisms of action. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1217730. [PMID: 37465125 PMCID: PMC10351420 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1217730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Characterized by a complex pathophysiology that includes the intraneuronal formation of neurofibrillary tangles and the extracellular deposition of β-amyloid plaques, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a terminal neurodegenerative disease that causes dementia in older adults. Oxidative stress in the brain is considered as one of the contributing factors to the pathogenesis of AD, and thus, antioxidants have attracted much interest as potential therapeutic agents against the disorder. Natural antioxidants are typically characterized by low acute and chronic toxicity, which facilitates their potential therapeutic application. One important molecular target for the beneficial effects of natural antioxidants is the nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-related factor 2 (NFE2L2/NRF2). NRF2 is a key transcription factor that orchestrates the cellular antioxidant response through regulating the expression of oxidative stress-related genes harboring the antioxidant response element (ARE) in their promoters. Indeed, in the case of excessive oxidative damage, NRF2 migrates to the nucleus and binds to ARE, activating the transcription of antioxidant protector genes. There is increasing evidence that NRF2 is implicated in AD pathology through dysfunction and altered localization, which renders it as a potential therapeutic target for AD. Thus, this review summarizes the most recent (2018-2023) advances on the NRF2-modulating activity of natural antioxidants observed in vitro and in AD animal models. This information will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing the antioxidant activity of such phytochemicals to highlight their therapeutic potential against common neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grammatiki Alexandra Sidiropoulou
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Athanasios Metaxas
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Malamati Kourti
- Angiogenesis and Cancer Drug Discovery Group, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Centre, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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